Please help with a menu (not Thanksgiving related)

[Anonymous]

So we just moved to a new area and we are having another family over for dinner. They have a 2 and 6 year old. I am having a brain freeze as to what would be a good meal for them so that they will be able to eat but still pay attention to their 2 year old (my kids are older so I have blocked that period out). I have food for their kids covered so that isn't an issue. I was thinking of beef tenderloin since it is so easy to cook but I don't want it to seem like a fancy dinner when it is just another family coming over for an early Sunday dinner. Is there something better?

[Anonymous]

Lasagna? Only requires one hand/fork to eat.

[Anonymous]

Pot roast.

[Anonymous]

Lasagna's a good idea. Also, meatloaf & potatoes, or stir fry, or chili. Nice casual ice-breaker meals, not too stuffy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lasagna? Only requires one hand/fork to eat.

Hard for a two year old though.

OP, I'd stick with basic meat or chicken so the family doesn't stress that they're going to leave a tomato sauce stain on your rug. Tenderloin is fine.

[Anonymous]

I would do lasagna, a salad with plenty of vegetables and a vinaigrette, and toasted bread/garlic bread. The toddler can have plain toast or toast with a little tomato sauce on top with a few cheese cubes on the side.

If your own kids are older, but teenage or younger you should instruct them to engage visiting toddler for half an hour or so while you're getting dinner together. If you can.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for the suggestions. Other mom said her kids eat noodles or chicken fingers so they are covered. Lasagna seems like the best choice for everyone else. One other thought: I had some great wild salmon from Costco's frozen section. It had a delicious marinade on it. Would something like that be ok to serve to guests? Obviously, I would make salad, sides, etc. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Well yeah, sure! I'd love to be served salmon.

[Anonymous]

Salmon is great! Just check with them if they prefer salmon or lasagna, because some people don't like fish.

[Anonymous]

I would so lasagne with just some plain easy to eat noodles/parm cheese/butter on the side for the kids.